Pow Wow

50TH ANNUAL CSU PUVUNGNA (LONG BEACH) POW WOW

Date: March 11 - 12, 2023
Location: Upper Campus Quad
Presented by the American Indian Studies Program, American Indian Student Council, American Indian Student Services, Division of Student Affairs, Student Life and Development, and Associated Students, Inc.

California State University, Long Beach’s annual Pow Wow, an American Indian social celebration, is the largest spring event of its kind in Southern California. The Pow Wow at Cal State Long Beach is focused on displaying the university’s strong American Indian presence. Admission and parking are free. 

The two-day event, which will feature American Indian dancing, arts, crafts and food begins at 11 AM each day and runs until 10 PM on Saturday and 7 PM on Sunday. In addition to contests and inter-tribal dancing, there will be Gourd dancing with Dancer Registration closing at 2 PM on Saturday. All dancers and drums are invited.

Native foods, such as mutton and beef stew, Navajo tacos, fry bread and Indian burgers will be on sale at the event, and American Indian vendors will be selling both traditional and contemporary American Indian art.

A campus map and directions can be found at www.csulb.edu/map or you may download a Pow Wow Campus Map - PDF.

 

Arts & Craft Vendors Application

Information Booth Application

Food Vendors are by invitation only

Vendors must be in compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-644). For more information please visit: https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act

  • Master of Ceremony: Arlie Neskahi (Seattle, WA)
  • Arena Director: Victor Chavez (Whittier, CA)
  • Head Man Dancer: Craig Stone (Long Beach, CA)
  • Head Woman Dancer: Pamela James (Moreno Valley, CA)
  • Host Northern Drum: Bad Soul (Grand Ronde, OR)
  • Head Southern Singer: Howard Cozad (Anadarko, OK)
  • Host Gourd: Golden State Gourd Society
  • Spoon Keeper: Rebecca Sanchez (Long Beach, CA)
  • Sound: MenoMan Sound - Emiliano Martinez

  • Head Man "Old School Fancy Dance Special": 50 years or older, 50 years or older, no acrobatics or plastic streamers. Prizes: $1000, Eagle Star Quilt or Pendleton blanket for First Place, and cash prizes for the next top three dancers. All contestants will receive a gift.

  • Head Man "Hand Drum Contest": First 10 singers to sign up on March 11th between 12pm - 1pm. Singing will take place throughout the weekend. Prize: Hand Drums and cash prizes for top 3 winners. All contestants will receive a gift.

Saturday

Time Event
11:00AM Gourd Dancing
1:00PM Grand Entry
2:00PM Dancer Registration Closes
4:00PM American Indian Student Council (Pow Wow Committee) Special

5:00PM to 6:00PM

 Dinner Break - California Indian Presentation
10:00PM Closing: Retire Colors and dance out

 

Sunday

Time Event
11:00AM Gourd Dancing
1:00PM Grand Entry
6:00PM Closing: Awards, Retire Colors and dance out